May the one, may the one whom makes peace, bring peace down, bring peace down.
There I was standing with my family and my best friend and our children in temple, fighting back tears. All of a sudden, we are standing, swaying, and singing Oseh Shalom and I get that lump in my throat and tears in the corners of my eyes. I am happy and sad and emotional all at once. Maybe it was mostly the beauty of Elana Jagoda's voice. Maybe it was the melody and the beauty of the band. But also, it was probably the memories in that sanctuary.
It was giggles on squeeky old chairs.
Sounds of Gramma's hard candies being unwrapped in the silence of a high holiday service.
Eye rolls, pride, and embarrassment each time my dad got up on the bima to speak as Temple Board President.
Being a part of choir singing the same song.
Delivering my sermon and becoming a Bat Mitzvah.
Spin the bottle in the foyer nearby on class sleepovers.
Class confirmation and high school graduation service.
All the memories expressing themselves in my happy tears.
It was prayers sent for the health of my Papa to heal him from Parkinsons.
Prayers sent to heal Jen's mom from cancer.
Prayers sent to heal us of the pain of losing them both too soon.
Memories of my son's baby naming service and bringing my husband to PTBE for the first time.
That time the Rabbi's had us taking shots during services for Purim!
All these memories surrounding me and hugged my heart and my soul. I swayed to the rhythm of the music and felt so blessed. As much as I love Seattle and TDHS and the life we are creating there, there is no place like home.
Temple Beth El, Mom, Dad, Micah, Jen, Alan, Sarah, they are my home.
Oseh shalom Bim'bromav. Hu ya'aseh Hu ya'aseh Hu ya'aseh shalom. Aleinu.
May the one, may the one whom makes peace, bring peace down, bring peace down.
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